Brahma’s Illusion

Chapter 13, 14

After the killing of Aghasura, Krishna and the gopas went for a picnic at a picturesque spot. As the calves wandered off, Krishna went to retrieve them, and during that time Brahma kidnapped both the cowherd boys and calves, and placed them in mystic slumber. Having observed the childlike activities of Krishna, Brahma wanted to test how powerful the Lord actually was. In divine response, Krishna expanded Himself into identical cowherd boys and calves just to please His devotees who wanted Him as Their child. Unaware why, the cows and parents suddenly felt incredible attraction for their calves and cowherd boys, more so than ever before.

When Balarama sensed something extraordinary, He questioned Krishna, who explained the entire episode. After a full year, Brahma returned and saw Krishna happily playing with His friends and calves, just as before. He was astonished by Krishna’s potency and could perceive that every calf and boy had a bluish complexion, four arms, and all the qualities of Vishnu. He realised his grave mistake, and composed beautiful prayers concluding that bhakti was the only way to realise Krishna. After Brahma was corrected, Krishna arranged for the original cowherd boys and calves to be reunited, and due to His illusory energy, they were oblivious to all that had transpired. While returning to Vrindavana that day, Krishna showed them the dead body of Aghasura.